Destination Marketing The Basics

Transcription

1 Destination Marketing The Basics CONTENTS: SARAWAK MAP REASONS TO VISIT FAST FACTS ACCESSIBILITY & VISA TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

2 Where In The World Is Sarawak, Borneo? Sarawak, known as Land of the Hornbills, is an amazing place where you can experience the best of old world charm with new world convenience. Sarawak was once known hundreds of years ago for its fierce headhunting tradition (which is no longer practiced today). Today, it is rapidly gaining ground as a place where Business Meets Adventure. Sarawak is the largest State of Malaysia s 13 States, which covers an area of 125,000 sq. km, approximately the size of Greece. The steep interior terrain, luxuriant with tropical rainforests, gives birth to mighty rivers. The population is 2.6 million people, approximately 10 percent of Malaysia s population. From towering mountains to underwater diving treasures, Sarawak has it all. It is a place rich in natural resources (timber, oil, gas among them), tens of thousands of species of flora and fauna, and a harmonious multi-cultural, multiracial community population of 28 different ethnic groups.

3 Top Reasons to Visit Sarawak 1. Sarawak has been blessed with political, economic and social stability for decades. 2. The Queen s English is widely spoken. 3. Over 2.6 million people from 28 ethnic groups live in harmony in Sarawak. Our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious communities celebrate diversity, and welcome world travellers with a smile. 4. Home to one of the world s oldest rainforests yet striving to be at the forefront of modern technology and communications, Sarawak presents itself as a unique venue where old-world charm meets modern convenience, in a place where headhunters used to roam 150 years ago. Sarawak will take you to a unique world, where it is commonplace for misty mountains and green jungles to sit at the fringes of our ultra-modern city lights. 5. The State Government ensures the best and the latest services are available in transportation, banking, commercial amenities, conferencing, accommodation and city developments. 6. The State and Federal Governments offer financial sponsorship and delegate marketing packages to add amazing value to your event. Your supporters include Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Sarawak and Sarawak Convention Bureau. 7. Outstanding value for money can be had with some of the most affordable rates for hotel accommodation, conference venues and tours in the world. Here, 5 star hotel room can be just EU90 per night, while a local meal (or a beer) is just EU2, and a sirloin steak just EU10. Borneo s most stylish and sophisticated city brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, crafts and cuisines. (Lonely Planet)

4 Top Reasons to Visit Sarawak 8. Sarawak has been hosting world class conferences and meetings with great success since Its popularity and experience continues to rise as more delegates seek unique alternatives to typical city locations. This strength shines through the high 82% success rate we enjoy for international convention bids. For more information, go to 9. The history of Sarawak is as romantic as any in the world, filled with swashbuckling English adventurers and noble tribal kingdoms. In 1841, James Brooke, an English adventurer, was awarded the feudal title of Rajah. Thus began the rule of three generations of the White Rajahs, which lasted over 100 years and brought development to this raw and wild land. 10. The state is a gastronomic wonderland that offers five star cuisine to the world s best street food! Asian, Western, Middle Eastern, European, Halal, Vegetarian, and even special menus are available. 11. Kuching sits in a strategic position in the very heart of Asia, which means that delegates from all over the region will find it easy to connect via multiple flights including low cost carriers, through 2,500 seats a day to Kuching and 1,000 flights a week from all over the world into Malaysia, while Kuching is also served by the major hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Indonesian cities, and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). 12. Sarawak has exciting festivals and celebrations all year round! For more information, please go to Borneo s most stylish and sophisticated city brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, crafts and cuisines. (Lonely Planet)

5 Accessibility & Visa 1000 Flights Weekly to Malaysia & 2500 Seats Daily into Kuching via Kuala Lumpur & Singapore FLIGHTS INTO SARAWAK 1. Malaysia Airlines Berhad 2. AirAsia Berhad 3. Scoot Tigerair Pte Ltd Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd VISA For more information, please go to

6 Fast Facts About Sarawak Weather In Sarawak Sarawak essentially observes tropical weather but the best part is it is never too hot. Humidity is a common feature, which can be duly expected from its proximity to waters. With the exception of the highlands, the climate is mostly warm and sultry. Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 21 C to 32 C on an average. The monsoon season peaks between November and February. On the whole, days are quite warm and nights are rather cool in Malaysia, resulting in a pleasant weather that is always inviting. Stable Destination Sarawak and Malaysia in general are well known for a stable democratic government as well as the peaceful coexistence of its multi-cultural society. Communications Malaysia is a multilingual country where many people speak at least two languages and possibly a third. English is widely used especially in the cities and most directional signs are in both the national language of Bahasa Malaysia as well as English.

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8 Borneo s most stylish and sophisticated city brings together a kaleidoscope of cultures, crafts and cuisines. (Lonely Planet) About Kuching, Sarawak Take a peek at vibrant and exotic Kuching, Sarawak, poised on the world s third largest island, beautiful Borneo. A haven of charming cultural heritage, invigorating adventure and diving tours, breath taking natural wonders in ancient rainforests and towering mountains, natural resources (timber, oil, gas among them) and quaint colonial architecture, Kuching has a stunning backdrop of cultural diversity and avant-garde city development to match! Visitors celebrate a fusion of Asia's tastiest dishes and spectacular sights in one location that is in the centre of Asia. Kuching is capital of Sarawak which is the largest of Malaysia s 13 States. The steep interior terrain, luxuriant with tropical rainforests, gives birth to mighty rivers.

9 ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS Travelling to and from Sarawak, and visiting various destinations in the state, are as good as any first class destinations elsewhere in the world. Sarawak as a well-known tourism, business, leisure and adventure destination due to its unique cultural diversity, varied landscape, affordable accommodation and transport, excellent variety of food, and many other distinctive attractions. Kuching Cat City Tour Discover the charms of this riverine city. Take in the sights of colonial-style buildings dating back to the era of the White Rajahs, scattered among ancient Chinese temples and towering mosques. The Sarawak Museum Erected in 1888, the Sarawak Museum is the oldest building in Borneo. During its prime, it was reputedly the best museum in Southeast Asia. A few steps away visitors will find the Art Museum, filled with exhibits of ethnic artwork. Main Bazaar This is the oldest street in Kuching, dating back to It represents the very heart and soul of Kuching s history. Charming examples of old Chinese shop house architecture remain, most of which have been owned by the same families for generations.

10 Kuching Waterfront Well-known for its tourist traffic, scenic views and historic significance, the Kuching Waterfront in the centre of old Kuching town is not just another sightseeing locale but is totally appropriate for wellplanned conference exhibitions. Sarawak Cultural Village Sarawak Cultural Village is an award-winning living museum that displays the cultures of the 7 major groups of people in Sarawak. Travel back in time with a visit to the life sized traditional ethnic dwellings of the major tribes over the 14 acres located at the foothills of Mount Santubong, about 35 km from Kuching. Kayaking in the Tropical Rainforest Your Rainforest Kayaking adventure begins from the mist covered hill sides of Borneo Highlands, overlooking undulating terrain dotted by small scale pepper farms from over 1,000 feet views. Your kayaking adventure takes you through beautiful forest and farmlands from which local villagers will welcome you. Down to the Ground with Nature at Bako National Park Explore Bako, Sarawak s oldest national park and where the proboscis monkey (called the Clown of the Forest) plays with bearded pigs, and where silvered langurs have orange babies and pit vipers sleep on the tree branches. Dolphin and Mangrove Tour Cruise to the mouth of the Santubong & Salak River for the chance to spot schools of Irrawaddy dolphins! While sightings are not guaranteed, dolphins are a common site here. The cruise continues into the tributaries at the Kuching Wetlands National Park which yields lush mangrove forest and local mudskippers, blue crabs, kingfishers, and small crocodiles in residence.

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12 Mesmerising Miri Oha... Welcome to Miri! Resort city by the bay and gateway to the orang Ulu heartland of Northern Sarawak. Miri, city by the sea, was once the last frontier in the north of Sarawak. It is the second largest city in Sarawak with a population of about 350,000. It guards the entrance of the Baram River, which is the main artery to the wilderness of Sarawak and the heartland of the Orang Ulu peoples. Mysterious and charming, it has always been Sarawak s most romanticised destination. The oil and gas industry and its close proximity to Brunei has made the city a popular weekend escape for expats and Bruneians alike. A lively nightlife and excellent dining options make it an even more attractive destination. A stone s throw away are Niah National Park, the site of Southeast Asia s oldest human settlement dating back at least 40,000 years; and Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world s largest cave chamber and one of the world s most extensive cave systems are found.

13 Map of Miri City Overview There are many attractions offered by Miri, Sarawak. Miri is the birthplace of Malaysia's petroleum industry, and so, one of the main tourist attractions is related to the field. The Grand Old Lady is Miri's first well. The landmark has a height of 30 meters and is located up on Canada Hill. Most tourists visit Canada Hill with the purpose of checking out the first oil well drilled back in those years whereas locals visit each morning to jog and walk. Aside from the historical landmark, Miri is popular for its remarkable diving spots. There are a few dive sites that are a must to visit if you are a dive enthusiast and most of these places can be reached with just a short boat ride from the city of Miri. They are Santak Point, Sea Fan Garden, Sunday Reef, Grouper Patch and many more. You will see beautiful corals and reefs along with various types of fish including butterfly fish, stingrays, parrot fish and angle fish, just to name a few. If you are not that into water sports and prefer a dry natural place, Loagan Bunut National Park fits these requirements the best. The largest natural lake is situated there too. There are quite a few activities offered such as boat riding and bird watching. You can either visit this exciting place in a one day trip, or spend few nights there. The next famous attraction in Miri is the Crocodile Farm. This is the best place to bring along your family for an educational and exciting tour. The farm is situated not far from the city, just a 20 minute drive away. More than one thousand crocodiles are to be seen in the farm along with a snake house, small zoo and fishponds.

14 ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS Miri Handicraft Centre Meet at the hotel lobby and be whisked away to the Miri Handicraft Centre on Raja Road. This is where indigenous artisans, weavers and craftspeople converge to showcase their skills and traditional craft at one a convenient one-stop centre for travellers with a tight schedule. Crafts range from traditional pottery to beadwork, basketry, beautiful rattan mats and the epitome of Sarawak's traditional art - the hand-woven, cotton and naturally dyed Pua Kumbu. Sarawak Beads & Handicraft Tamu Miri (Taman Muhibbah) From handicrafts to the local farmers' marker. A tamu is a market in local lingua. Right in the city centre is an institution of Miri's local scene - Tamu Miri, otherwise known as Taman Muhibbah. Open daily from as early as 3am, produce from local farms as well as the jungle are displayed in all their splendour for local cooks and chefs to choose from. Fruits, the highly valued Bario rice from the highlands, baby chicks wrapped in "hen bags" and more. Tamu Miri Market The Grand Old Lady From arts and markets, we adjourn to the industry that put Miri on the map - oil and gas. The Grand Old Lady was Malaysia's first oil well. Built over 100 years ago on the peak of what is now Canada Hill, she represents the petroleum history of Miri. In her lifetime, she produced over 650,000 barrels of crude oil. Lovingly preserved and protected as a historical site, there is now a Petroleum Science Museum right next to it. The Petroleum Museum (open daily, 9am - 5pm) traces the history and technological development of the oil and gas industries in Sarawak and complements the Grand Old Lady's story. The Grand Old Lady

15 Loagan Bunut Sarawak s largest natural lake is one of the most unusual aquatic ecosystems in Malaysia. The lake covers an area of about 65 hectares. However when the water level in the adjacent Tinjar river is low, the shallow lake can drain completely, leaving a huge expanse of dried and cracked mud. This occurs two to four times a year, in February and between May to mid July. This unique cycle of flood and drought has created a remarkable food chain which supports a large variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals. As the lake dries up, many aquatic creatures escape to the Bunut river, which connects the lake to the Tinjar and Baram river. Three Hours of Fun at the Miri Crocodile Farm Game for some hair-raising excitement? At the mouth of the Baram River, you will find the first and largest crocodile farm in northern Sarawak. From the Kuala Baram River Mouth, a pleasant scenic coastal drive along will take you there in 20 minutes. Come face to face with Sarawak's most efficient predator, the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus). The crocodile farm opens daily from 9am - 6pm. Feeding hours: Sundays and public holidays: 10.30am, 11.30, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Relaxing By Luak Bay You can't say that you've been to the South China Sea until you've seen the sunset at Luak Esplanade with a margarita in your hand. Luak Esplanade personifies the sunset stroll of romance movies. Beach Republic by the bay is a great one-stop spot for food, fun and a stroll on the beach. Picnics on the beach, a meal by the sea with a gentle ocean breeze blowing, and if you're lucky, a weekend event or flea market might be on. The best times to visit are during weekends. Food stalls are set up along the entire stretch for a delicious hawker style gastronomic experience.

16 MULU CAVES- UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE This adventure brings the delegate from the Resort City of Miri in Sarawak s northeast, deep into the caves of Mulu National Park, Sarawak s biggest treasure and first World Heritage Site. This 3-day expedition will lead you into the secret caves of Mulu during daylight, exciting journeys in between, and over forest canopies at nightfall amidst the soundtrack of nature s musical symphonies.

17 3- DAYS POST TOUR IN MULU, MIRI Day 01 - Mulu National Park Fly from Kuching International Airport to Mulu via the bustling city of Miri. Enter the tranquillity and pristine paradise of Mulu National Park. Towering white cliffs and steaming jungle provides a beautiful habitat for 20,000 species of flora and fauna, over 3,500 plant species, 8,000 types of fungi and at least 170 kinds of orchids. You may be lucky enough to stumble upon the world s largest flower, the dog-eared Rafflesia, in bloom. Each evening, behold the unusual and spectacular sight of thousands of flying bats rise in a weaving, snakelike pattern from the caves in search of food. Day 02 - Treasures of Mulu A lively longboat ride takes you to the Wind Cave, named for the cool breeze which fans from its entrance and famed for its unusual calcite formations. The King s Room unravels impressive glistening stalactites and stalagmites. The Clearwater Cave is the longest cave passage in South East Asia and the 10th longest in the world at 107 kilometres. To escape the tropical heat, bathe in crystal clear cave waters perfected by the combination of limestone walls and rushing water. A picnic lunch is spread out on the banks of the cool river. Renowned for housing the world s largest cave passage, the Deer Cave is like a hidden miniature world complete with hills and valleys, plains and forests. A lush waterfall sets the stage for ultimate relaxation in the Garden of Eden. Lang Cave is adorned with unique stalagmites, stalactites and other beautiful cave formations. Day 03 - Departure Mulu After breakfast, transfer to Mulu Airport for your short flight to Miri. You may either fly on or opt to stay another night in the city to sample the fine fusion food and bustling nightlife with celebrated live bands.

18 Niah Caves (Full Day) Miri Miri s Niah National Park is a glittering national treasure. Its jewels are : the spectacular Great Cave (one of the world s biggest caves and oldest human burial sites in South East Asia) Painted Cave (with its unique paintings of prehistoric burial rituals and a death ship taking souls to the afterlife) Trader s Cave, which has been the business centre for bird nest traders for centuries, and thousands of cave-dwelling creatures who have danced at every single sunset for 40 thousand years in a rising black thundercloud, all surrounded by dense rainforest and rugged limestone. The Limestone Pinnacles Mulu's limestones belong to the Melinau Formation. Their age is between 17 and 40 million years (Late Eocene to Early Miocene). Stratigraphically below the limestones, and forming the highest peaks in the south east sector of the Park including Gunung Mulu, lies the Mulu Formation (shales and sandstones). The age of these rocks is between 40 and 90 million years (Late Cretaceous to Late Eocene). Largest Limestone Caves The most attractive point of Mulu is the largest limestone caves system in the world hidden deep under the immense blue hues of the mountains. Profile of Abraham Lincoln, Mulu Caves This is one of the many quirky natural limestone formations in the Mulu Caves. Does it remind you of a famous American President?

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20 About Sibu, Sarawak Sibu is the largest port and commercial centre in the Rejang Basin and the gateway to Central Sarawak. Located at the confluence of the Rejang and Igan Rivers, approximately 130 km from the South China Sea, Sibu is a thriving modern town with a vibrant centre and a bustling, crowded waterfront. To visitors, Sibu feels more down-to-earth than relaxed Kuching. There is still something of the pioneer style about the town, and its people are direct, plainspeaking and assertively friendly. Of course, their smiles may be partly due to the belief that Sibu has more millionaires per capita than any other city in Borneo. The mighty Rejang, almost a mile (1,600 km) wide, is the dominant feature of the town, and a room with a river view is highly recommended for vibrant impressions of waterfront life. The river is a source of constant activity, with ocean-going vessels manoeuvring delicately between speeding express boats, battered river launches and tiny sampans. Rejang sunsets can be truly spectacular. Sibu is not only fascinating in its own right; with its excellent road, air and river transport links it is also the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the whole Rejang Basin, from the coastal town of Mukah to the furthest reaches of the Upper Rejang, over 600km upriver.

21 ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS Travelling to and from Sarawak, and visiting various destinations in the state, are as good as any first class destinations elsewhere in the world. Sarawak as a well-known tourism, business, leisure and adventure destination due to its unique cultural diversity, varied landscape, affordable accommodation and transport, excellent variety of food, and many other distinctive attractions. Iban Longhouse A trip to to Sarawak is incomplete without a visit to Rumah Panjai or Iban Longhouse. Although the Ibans are modern people who have fully embraced the 21st century, they still maintain many traditional practices such as shooting blowguns, and they retain their adat or traditional law. The Ibans welcome guests with Tuak (Traditional Iban Rice Wine). Visitors learn blowpipe shooting and weaving a Pua Kumbu, then feast on traditional pastries, while enjoying magnificent scenery of vast paddy fields and the mighty Rajang river. The Ibans are a warm, hospitable people, and this coupled with their colourful customs, is a memorable experience. Licensed guides can be found at the Tourist Information Office in Sibu. Chinese Cultural Attractions Sibu is rich in Chinese cultural attractions, especially those of the Foochow clan. The Sungai Merah Heritage Walk is a landscaped park situated in the Sungai Merah township where the earliest Foochow settlers first landed in The Foochow Centennial Celebration Building commemorates 100 years of Foochow immigration to Sibu. Sarawak is one of the only few states in Malaysia where Chinese words adorn the traffic and street signs. For those who know Chinese, it would be interesting to study the street signs in Sibu both written in Chinese and Malay - although the accuracy of the translation could be disputed! The main roads in Sibu are Brooke Drive, Jalan Oya, Jalan Lanang, Jalan Wong King Huo, Jalan Rajang, Jalan Au Yong, Jalan Li Hua and Jalan Aup.Sibu gateway, which is located on Pedada Road and Kampung Nyabor Road, houses displays of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Another landmark of Sibu is the century old Tua Pek Kong Temple with its iconic 7-storey pagoda.

22 Sibu CulturalHeritage Museum Sibu Cultural Heritage Museum was formed in 1988 and and was originally located at the Sibu Civic Centre but but has since moved to its present location in the former former Sibu Municipal Council building. The museum museum displays the rich cultural heritage of the various various ethnic groups of the Central Region from the history of the Chinese migrants to relics from the Iban 1Malaysia Cultural Village The 1Malaysia Cultural Village located opposite Taman Bukit Aup is a recreational facility which showcases pavilions (or pondoks) of various ethnicities such as the Malays, Iban and Chinese. It is a popular place for picnics as visitors can rent BBQ pits for cooking. There is also a restaurant on the premises for guests to rest and have a bite to eat to sample local cuisine.

23 Sibu Night Market The Pasar Malam (Night Market) is situated in the town town centre. The vibrant Night Market sets up every afternoon around 5pm and operates until 10pm or later. later. Items on display are general Malay and Chinese delicacies, clothing, daily necessities, handicrafts and others. The stalls offer all manners of household goods, goods, footwear, fashion items, and all varieties of food. food. Even the Prime Minister made a brief visit here on 5 on 5 July 2009, whilst attending the launch of 6th Tionghua Cultural Festival, in conjunction of Borneo Cultural Festival Sibu Central Market The Central Market is the biggest indoor market in Malaysia. It is home to thousands of stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to live poultry. Local farmers and rural harvesters gather in the central market daily to display their offerings. This is a good opportunity to view and sample local produce that are indigenous to this region s jungles and rivers.

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25 About Bintulu, Sarawak Bintulu is a part coastal, part riverine town, and the capital of Bintulu District (7,220.4 square kilometers) in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is approximately 624 km away from Kuching and about 215 km from either Sibu or 205 km from Miri. It is a home to about 200,000 inhabitants. Although it is best known as an industrial town in Sarawak, the local authorities such as Sarawak Tourism Board and Bintulu Development Authority are now making a efforts to make Bintulu a tourist heaven. Fifty years ago, Bintulu was a small fishing village with a population of 5000; now, thanks to its offshore natural gas fields, it is a booming industrial town and Sarawak s most important centre for the production of LNG (liquefied natural gas) and fertiliser. Most travellers who stop in Bintulu, roughly midway between Sibu and Miri (about 200km from each), visit Similajau National Park or travel overland to or from Belaga. Read more: The town is geographically situated half way between Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Bintulu is a central gateway to tourist spots like Bakun Resort, Niah Caves (Gua Niah in Malay), Mulu National Park, Longan Bunut National Park, Lambir National Park, Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Rejang Pelagus, Belaga and the Bario Highlands.

26 ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS Belanum Belanum is blessed with a nearby swimming hole which offers a natural massage experience to soothe the weary body after a lengthy hike up the river. Belanum s huge lake, almost the size of Singapore, has become another outstanding tourism destination. The vast expanse of the lake offers a picturesque landscape as myriad as the local legends. The confluence of cold mountain water and warm lake water creates a unique dipping experience at the river mouth. For sports fishermen, angling trips can also be organised further inland to land highly prized fish like Empurau or Semah. After which, sitting around the barbeque fire, trading experiences and stories into the still of the night completes this experience. The floating home-stay product (locally known as Jelatong ) is currently offering 4-room accommodation (max 4 to a room). Similajau National Park Similajau National Park showcases the unique geographical features of the Sarawak coastline north of Bintulu a chain of golden sandy beaches, punctuated by small rocky headlands and jungle streams, and bordered by dense green forest. The 8,996 hectare park is at its best during the dry season (approximately February to October) when the emerald green waters are crystal clear and ideal for swimming. The park is very popular with locals at weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the week when you are likely to have the park all to yourself. Tanjung Batu National Park & Beach Tanjung Batu Beach is a local picnic and recreational spot located approximately 3km from the town centre. Tanjung Datu comprises a narrow strip of forested hills and stunning beaches with clear emerald green waters. It is one of Sarawak s smallest national parks but it is perhaps the most beautiful. A key attraction is its seclusion. The park s remoteness means that the beaches are pristine and the rainforest intact. The park is home to a variety of wildlife include Bornean gibbons, pig-tailed macaques, long-tailed macaque monkeys, silver-leaf monkeys, civet cats, bearded pigs, diverse birdlife and more. Green turtles also nest on the park s beaches from April to September.

27 Pasar Tamu & Pasar Utama Bintulu Pasar Tamu & Pasar Utama are two markets located near each other along the riverfront selling a range of local produce. The coneshaped roofs symbolize the traditional Melanau headgear, the terendak. The top floor of the Pasar Utama has stalls selling local hawker food favourites. Taman Tumbina Taman Tumbina is a mini-zoo and botanical park located near Tanjung Batu. It features a walk-in hornbill aviary, a walk-in butterfly garden, and exotic animals including flamingos, crocodiles and pythons. Council Negeri Memorial, Bintulu In Bintulu town itself is the Council Negeri Memorial which commemorates Sarawak's first State Legislative Assembly on 8th September A centenary stone commemorating the centennial of the historical meeting was erected on this site in 1967 and was further improved to include a clock tower and fountain in The fountain was attractively fenced up in November 1998 for safety and aesthetical purpose. Tua Pek Kong Temple Another colourful Chinese temple is situated centrally in the town centre of Bintulu, facing Kemena River. Many traditional festivals are to be held here periodically including the famous Wang Kong Festival, where people commemorate the dead and execute worship traditions for the local Chinese people in particular.

28 Uma Belor Leo Dian Kayan longhouse Sg. Asap Uma Belor Leo Dian (Belor Leo Dian Longhouse) is considered one of the best Kayan longhouses and potentially the longest longhouse structure in Sarawak. It consists of seven connected blocks occupied by a total of one hundred and one families with a total population estimated to be 700 people. However, this number only happens during school holidays & major festivals such as Gawai (Harvest festival) and Christmas. The Kayan is the largest ethnic group in the Orang Ulu community and they are found mainly in Baram and certain parts of Kapit division. Uma Belor Leo Dian, is listed in Homestay program by the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. Visitors can experience farming and orchard activities, learn to cook interesting food or even see how the local wine Burak is made. If you are patient and lucky, spotting a hornbill is a bonus. Appreciate the intricate handicrafts of the Kayan heritage; their colourful beads, the selampit, wood carvings, the colourful hats known as Hong or the fascinating burial house of the aristocracy. Participate in the Kayan social dance such as the Datun Julut (long dance) accompanied by the iconic sape (lute), selingut (nose flute) and Gan Tawek (gong). The sape is the instrument that makes up part of the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival logo and one can certainly find a few masters of the sape residing in the area.

29 Thank You Sarawak Welcomes YOU! DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY The contents of this document claims no credit for any images and graphics published on this document unless expressly stated otherwise. Images and graphics on this document are copyright to its respectful owners. You shall not distribute this document for any commercial usage as it is strictly for internal distribution only. If there is an image or graphic appearing on this document that belongs to you and do not wish for it to appear on this document, please to and it will be promptly removed. By reading this notice, you agree that anyone involved in creating this document is not liable for the success or failure of your business decisions relating to any content presented in this document.